Mahatma Gandhi, the principal leader of the Indian national movement, was born in which year?

Introduction / Context:
Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most important figures in modern Indian and world history. His life and philosophy of non violence and truth shaped India's freedom struggle and inspired many global movements. The year of his birth is a frequently asked factual question in general studies and history exams, and it also serves as an anchor point for understanding the timeline of his political activities in South Africa and India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the birth year of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Options given are 1869, 1879, 1889, and 1899.
• We know Gandhi was active in politics from the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
• We assume the reference is to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely known as Mahatma Gandhi.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is simple recall of a key date. Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, in present day Gujarat. He went to London for legal studies in the late 1880s and later worked in South Africa before returning to India in 1915. Given this life story, his birth must precede these events by enough years to allow for education and early career development. Among the options, only 1869 fits this narrative.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Gandhi's birth date is 2 October, which is observed as Gandhi Jayanti in India. Step 2: Remember that the year of birth associated with this date is 1869. Step 3: Cross check with his later life events, such as studying law in London and political activities in South Africa by the 1890s. Step 4: Recognise that if he were born in 1879, 1889, or 1899, the ages would not match his documented activities. Step 5: Select 1869 as the only historically consistent option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to note that the hundredth birth anniversary of Gandhi was celebrated in 1969, which implies a birth year of 1869. This well known centenary celebration confirms that 1869 is correct. Such centenary markers are often highlighted in school textbooks and commemorative events.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1879: This would make Gandhi unusually young for his recorded activities in the late nineteenth century.
1889: This would push his major contributions to much later, contradicting well established history.
1899: Far too late, as by that time Gandhi was already a practicing lawyer and activist.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse 1869 with 1859 or 1879. A helpful memory technique is to remember that Gandhi was born in the same decade as many other nineteenth century reformers but specifically in 1869, and that 2 October 1869 is a date repeatedly mentioned in national celebrations and textbooks.

Final Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi was born in the year 1869.